Ernesto Garcia, age 89, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Ernesto was born in Kingsville, TX on September 30,1936 to Severiano and Aurelia Garcia. He was the youngest of his siblings, joining Santana, Genaro, Flor Marina, Lydia, Severiano and Gloria. His mother passed away when he was 6 months old, so he was raised by his paternal grandparents Genaro and Cristina.

At the age of 17, Ernesto joined the USAF and started his 26-year long career serving our country. While on assignment in Zweibruecken, Germany, he met the love of his life, Dietlinde Schwemmer and they got married on December 30,1958.

They were always together, traveling around Europe, the Canary Islands, United States and Mexico, except for the year he served in the Vietnam war.

After retiring from the USAF, he worked 10 years for the USAF civilian personal office in Wiesbaden, Germany. In 1991, he moved to Pensacola, FL and did many years of volunteer work for the Ronald McDonald House.

Ernesto spoke three languages and loved to play his Tejano music on his accordion. He loved going to the beach, gardening and seeing his friends at the Pensacola College pool. He especially loved his children and grandchildren who called him Opa.

He leaves behind his wife, Dietlinde of almost 67 years; son, Christopher of Pensacola, FL; his daughter, Diana and her husband Matt Howell; grandson, Eric; and granddaughter, Kristin and her husband Steven Kopsala, all of New Ipswich, NH and as well as many close relatives.

Ernesto will always be remembered for his lighthearted sense of humor and his dedication to his family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, December 27, 2025, until the Funeral Service at 11:00am at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Fr. Tom Koyickal officiating. A Funeral Cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 12:30 pm Monday, January 5, 2026, for a Graveside Service with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.